tants would be the first
to appear? There might be several in a bunch, primed for the final
sprint for goal. The very thought thrilled hearts, and added color
to cheeks, as well as made eyes sparkle with anticipation. Allandale
was cheering now; Belleville rooters were strangely quiet; for, so far,
the outcome of the great race was still wrapped in mystery; but the
solution would soon come, they knew.

Another heavy boom told that a second runner was just around the bend,
and when a third discharge quickly followed the crowd knew there was
going to be an exciting finish to the Marathon.

Then a plainly audible sigh broke forth as the first runner was seen
rounding the bend, and starting on the home stretch, but wabbling badly
as he ran, being almost completely exhausted.

CHAPTER XIX

ON THE FINAL MILE OF THE COURSE

Meanwhile, in order to understand certain important events that came
about, it is necessary that we follow the runners, and devote this
chapter to what occurred up to the time that first fellow came lunging
around the final bend, having covered the whole course up to the final
lap.

For a mile or so along the road there were bunches of schoolboys and
girls waiting to give some of the contestants a cheering word as
they flashed past. The enthusiasts, however, would not linger long,
for they likely enough wished to see the comical part of the programme
carried out. Besides, once the runners had straggled past their posts
the only interest remaining for them in the race was its conclusion.
So they would want to get back to the grounds, and secure positions
along the line to the first bend, where they could greet each
contestant as he appeared, and cheer him on; for he would probably
need encouragement, being near the point of exhaustion.

Hugh had figured things out exactly, and knew what he could do. He
was not alarmed because several of the visiting runners led the way,
and even "Just" Smith had quite a little lead over him.

Pegging along, Hugh covered mile after mile with a steadiness that he
had reduced to machine like motion. He had timed himself, and the
whole course was mentally charted for his guidance. If he reached
the cut-off road at a certain time he would know things were moving
just as swiftly as necessary. Those boys who strained themselves in
that first seven miles would be apt to rue their rashness when they
began to feel their legs quiver with weakness under them,